New Orleans Pelicans

Player News - Pelicans

New Orleans has lost six of its last seven games, but coach Alvin Gentry not fretting over his job status.

When asked about the security of his job as Pelicans coach after Thursday's game, Gentry gave a direct answer to the media. "I really don't give a s*** about my job status," Gentry said. "I'm gonna work hard, and I'm gonna coach until the day they tell me I'm not the coach here anymore. It doesn't matter. I don't ever worry about that. That isn't anything that I spend five seconds worrying about." To be fair to Gentry, point guard Jrue Holiday has missed 14 games this season and the Pelicans are just 2-12 in those contests.

Alexis Ajinca hit 4-of-6 shots for eight points and four rebounds in 13 minutes against the Sixers on Thursday night.

Ajinca did not make much of an impact against Philadelphia despite getting the start. In fact, he played fewer minutes than Omer Asik and did not start in the second half. He remains a non-factor from a fantasy standpoint and can be left on the waivers.

Buddy Hield got the start on Thursday night and hit just 2-of-12 shots for six points and four rebounds.

With E’Twaun Moore (toe) and Jrue Holiday (toe) out, Hield got the start and played 34 minutes, but was inefficient with a career high 10 missed FGs. Hield will go back to the bench role once Moore return which could be as early as Saturday against the Clippers. He has no fantasy appeal at this time.

Langston Galloway made 8-of-16 shots for 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in Thursday night’s loss to the Sixers.

Galloway played 28 minutes off the bench and came through in a big way. He shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and has now drained nine 3-pointers in his last two games. He is averaging 32 minutes and 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Galloway is only seeing this opportunity due to the injuries on the Pelicans backcourt, but once they get healthy, he will go back to his bench role.

Tim Frazier hit 3-of-7 shots for seven points, six rebounds, and five assists in 28 minutes on Thursday night.

Frazier got the start for the injured Jrue Holiday (toe) and did not do much with his opportunity even though he had a good matchup against the Sixers. He has now scored single-digit points in six straight games and is shooting 29.7 percent from the field over that stretch. He is becoming a frustrating player to own because of his poor shooting, but does contribute in other categories such as assists, steals, and even boards, while playing over 28 minutes per game. Frazier loses a lot of appeal on nights where Holiday is playing and could take another hit once Tyreke Evans (knee, calf) comes back.

Anthony Davis made 8-of-21 shots and 10-of-12 free throws for 26 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in Thursday night’s loss to the Sixers.

Davis recorded his 11th double-double of the season and has at least one block in 15 consecutive games. He suffered an apparent left hand injury during the game, but was able to play through it and did not appear to be serious. The good news is that he will get a day of rest before heading to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers. Davis leads the league in points and blocks per game, and remains an elite fantasy option. So long as he stays healthy, which has been an issue throughout his career, he will produce at a high level and will continue to stuff the stat sheet.

Tyreke Evans (knee, calf) is expected to stay behind for the upcoming two-game road trip to rehab his calf injury, according ton Jen Hale of the Pelicans broadcast.

The good news is that his right knee is good to go. Evans is going to have a limit upon his return and he still doesn't have a target date. It may a month or so until we see Evans putting up noteworthy numbers, so he's not the greatest stash in shallower leagues. He's also very likely to rest on back-to-back sets for a long time.

Langston Galloway (head) went to the locker room in the second quarter on Thursday.

As he was falling down face first, Galloway's head took a shoulder from Joel Embiid. He had a towel over his head and is likely going to get evaluated for a concussion. If he's out, there will be more run for Tim Frazier and Buddy Hield.

That's his second straight DNP. With Moore out, Buddy Hield should get more run at shooting guard while Langston Galloway and Tim Frazier could run some two-guard combos. Plus, this should help Solomon Hill pick up extra run at the three to help offset the loss of wing depth.

No revenge game for Jrue against his former team. Holiday's turf toe injury can linger, so the Pelicans will play it safe. His injury history also may have factored into this because compensating could lead to another injury. With Jrue out, Tim Frazier should start while Langston Galloway gets additional run at the point. Buddy Hield should pick up extra minutes, as well.